As More Companies Add Outdoor Work Spaces, Law Firm Opts for Fake Sky

Companies are adding outdoor spaces in a nod to studies showing people feel less stress and may perform better when exposed to fresh air.

The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) reports on the trend. “Like office foosball tables and free snacks, the outdoor workspace seems to be spreading from Silicon Valley campuses to businesses nationwide,” the story says.

The story cautions that working outdoors carries some challenges. Paperwork can be blown about on a windy day, and the bright sun can make it difficult to use a tablet computer. Some companies are instead using their outdoor spaces for employee breaks or client entertainment.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius added an outdoor terrace when it moved to new space in 2001, the ABA Journal reported in 2010. Another firm with an outdoor terrace is Purrington Moody Weil, with offices in New York’s meatpacking district, Interiors & Sources reported in April.

One law firm in Fairfield, Iowa, opted for the next best thing. There were no windows in the reception area at Foss, Kuiken & Cochran. The solution was a new “SkyCeiling,” a fake skylight with a sunny sky and wispy clouds, the story says.